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NEWS | Edinburgh sign Bristol Bears back-row Haining

Edinburgh have further bolstered their squad ahead of next season with the signing of back-row Nick Haining from English Premiership side Bristol Bears on a two-year deal. Haining is the first of five signings to be revealed on what the club has billed #MagicMonday.

The 6ft 4in, 115kg flanker – who has previously represented Jersey Reds – will make the move north in the summer following the conclusion of current campaign.

On joining the club, Haining, said: “When I spoke to Richard Cockerill about the direction of Edinburgh and the ambition of the club, it really excited me.

“I’m looking forward to moving to Edinburgh and starting pre-season in June - I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Head Coach Richard Cockerill, added: “Nick is someone I’ve been looking at for a while. He’s Australian, but Scottish qualified. He’s a big boy, carries the ball very well and is a good footballer.

“He’ll add some further strength in depth in that back-row where we’ve got a lot of internationals. He’s a very good player and he’s keen to put his hand up and try to push himself into the national squad as well.”

Haining joined Bristol from Jersey Reds at the beginning of the 2017/18 season, having been one of the Channel Islanders’ standout performers in the English Championship.

In his first year in the West Country, the back-row played a pivotal role in helping Bristol to an immediate return to the Premiership.

Haining scored one try in nine appearances during the 2017/18 campaign as the Ashton Gate outfit finished as league champions.

The back-row has so far made seven appearances in the Premiership this season – scoring one try in the process – with the Bears currently seven points clear of relegation in ninth place.